BMW 2 Series Coupe Review 2024
Written by Andrew Brady
Quick overview
Pros
- Classy interior is more spacious than its predecessor's
- BMW M240i Coupe is a riot to drive
- You can get it in purple
Cons
- Some buyers will mourn the lack of a manual gearbox
- The BMW X2 remains a better choice if you’ve got kids
- Don't expect a used car bargain
Overall verdict on the BMW 2 Series Coupe
"In this 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe review, we'll take a close look at how the German manufacturer has taken a different direction to before with its smallest coupe offering. The 2 Series used to be something of a 1 Series spin-off model, and struggled to justify its existence over the equally capable hatchback. Now it's a different story, and it feels more like a scaled-down 4 Series with a sharp driving experience and an upmarket interior. It's relatively spacious and practical, too, and in an era when BMW design is a little controversial, the 2 Series looks fabulous."
In the past, the BMW 2 Series Coupe was basically a sportier, two-door version of the BMW 1 Series hatchback. The 2 Series was perhaps the artisan's choice, with its stylish looks and a driving experience that could rival the Porsche Cayman sports car.
But then, BMW decided it wasn't worth the expense of building the 1 Series on a rear-wheel-drive platform like it had before when, frankly, buyers of premium hatchbacks (cars like the Audi A3 and Mercedes A-Class) didn't know - nor care - which of its wheels were driven. That's until it snowed, anyway, when suddenly they couldn't reach the top of their road in the rear-wheel-drive 1 Series.
The latest BMW 2 Series Coupe is a little different. People actually buy it because they want a compact, nimble sports car. And a front-wheel-drive BMW 2 Series isn’t going to tempt buyers away from the Porsche Cayman, is it?
As a result – and at a no doubt considerable expense – BMW decided to shift the 2 Series onto the same platform as the bigger 3 Series and 4 Series. It's still smaller in size than these, but it's more enjoyable to drive than the 1 Series. The majority of buyers will go for the cheapest BMW 2 Series Coupe in the range: the 220i, with its 2.0-litre petrol engine and eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard. There's also a more powerful petrol, badged the BMW 230i Coupe, and in times gone by, a diesel BMW 220d Coupe was also offered.
The current flagship of the range - apart form the high performance BMW M2, which we've reviewed separately - is the BMW M240i xDrive Coupe, and this will certainly appeal to thrill-seekers. It uses a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine which produces 374PS and peak torque of 500Nm, meaning it'll cover ground very quickly indeed, accelerating to 62mph in just 4.3 seconds. Despite the big move to a rear-wheel-drive platform, the range-topper actually comes with four-wheel drive as standard. Ordinarily, it sends most of its power to the rear wheels, though, and it handles very tidily indeed.
Perhaps more significantly, the change of platform also means the interior feels more like pricier models in BMW's range. It looks just like the cabin of the 4 Series, only it feels a bit more snug than its bigger relation. It’s not cramped, though, and you can actually use the two rear seats if you really want to.
All BMW 2 Series Coupe models come with the brand’s excellent iDrive infotainment system, which uses a rotary controller (banished in the latest BMW 2 Series Active Tourer) to navigate the media system. There’s a slick digital dashboard, too, while you can always shout Siri-like ‘hey BMW’ commands at the car for distraction-free driving.
Prices start from around £38,000, while the desirable BMW M240i Coupe is nearer £50,000. While the BMW 2 Series Coupe is a relatively niche model, high demand means you’re not going to save a heap of cash on a used example anytime soon. Still, it’s more affordable than a Porsche Cayman, and unlikely to be a great deal more expensive than the Toyota GR86, which is even rarer due to limited production.
Looking for a used car for sale? We've got 100s of BMW Approved Used Cars for Sale for you to choose from, including a wide range of used BMW 2 Series Coupe cars for sale. If you’re looking for the older version, you need our BMW 2 Series (2014-2021) review.
Is the BMW 2 Series Coupe right for you?
If you're looking for a stylish coupe that's great to drive, the BMW 2 Series Coupe is probably the best car on your shortlist. The interior is just superb, with impressive tech highlights and a high quality finish. There's a wide range of engines, too, although don't expect any (full) hybrid or electric power here.
What other cars are similar to the BMW 2 Series Coupe?
If you're in the market for a two-seater coupe, there's not a great deal of competition for the BMW 2 Series. The now-defunct Audi TT is worth your consideration, although it's been around for a while now and it's not as fun to drive as the 2 Series. If you're looking for driving thrills and aren't too fussed about a premium badge, the Toyota GR86 will be worth a look. And if you want a car that ticks both of those boxes, the Porsche Cayman is a solid - but pricier - alternative to the BMW M240i.
Comfort and design: BMW 2 Series Coupe interior
"There's little surprising about the interior of the new BMW 2 Series Coupe – it's been lifted almost like-for-like out of a 4 Series, with its meaty steering wheel, stylish air vents and user-friendly infotainment."
BMW aficionados will notice the door cards with their extended wrap-around door handles, which are pretty much the only thing that separates the 2 Series from the 4 Series inside (apart from its diddier dimensions, obviously).
You sit satisfyingly low down in the BMW 2 Series Coupe, which adds to the sporty vibe, although there's plenty of adjustment in the seats if you do want to crank them up a bit. Everything is slightly driver-focused, from the aforementioned thick-rimmed steering wheel to the infotainment that's slightly angled towards the driver.
We found the standard M Sport leather seats of our M240i test car to be very supportive and well suited to long journeys, while adjustable lumbar support is fitted as standard to the top-spec model.
Quality and finish
You can't really fault the BMW 2 Series Coupe when it comes to interior quality. It feels impeccably finished, with plush materials and robust surfaces where necessary. It might be one of the cheapest BMW coupes you can buy, but it definitely doesn't represent a sacrifice in this regard.
Infotainment: Touchscreen, USB, nav and stereo in the BMW 2 Series Coupe
All BMW 2 Series Coupe models come with BMW's latest Live Cockpit Professional, which pairs a 12.3-inch widescreen central display with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. It's really user-friendly, thanks in part to the rotary iDrive controller fitted between the front seats. This is being phased out in models including the 2 Series Active Tourer, which is a shame as it's much less of a faff than having to reach forward and navigate menus using the touchscreen display.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, too, which adds to the no-hassle approach of the infotainment. Simply connect your phone and you've got access to all your usual Spotify playlists, contacts and even third-party navigation systems like Google Maps and Waze.
The digital dials are impressive while, for the first time in a BMW 2 Series Coupe, you can opt for a head-up display. This projects useful driving-related information onto the windscreen, including directions from Google Maps.
Space and practicality: BMW 2 Series Coupe boot space
The external dimensions of the BMW 2 Series Coupe have grown quite considerably over its predecessor, although it's still a relatively compact car. It measures 4537mm in length and 1838mm in width, while its 2741mm wheelbase is 51mm longer than the old model's.
All that means that the BMW 2 Series Coupe is surprisingly spacious inside. Its 390-litre boot is 20 litres bigger than the old model's, while its access height is 35mm lower. As a result, it's much more usable than the boot you get in a Porsche Cayman. While it's not exactly a family SUV, you could comfortably use the 2 Series as your only vehicle.
While the Audi TT's rear seats are little more than a token gesture, those in the back of a 2 Series Coupe will be fine for kids. Even adults will be able to squeeze back there for a short journey, although access isn't all that easy, and it does start to feel claustrophobic fairly quickly.
Handling and ride quality: What is the BMW 2 Series Coupe like to drive?
"By moving the 2 Series Coupe onto the same platform as the 4 Series, most models are rear-wheel drive and will feel more agile than the regular 1 Series hatchback."
The exception is the range-topping BMW M240i xDrive which, as its name suggests, gets all-wheel drive as standard. Purists might be upset at the concept of an M-badged car unable to rip mad skids but, actually, it's distinctly rear-biased in its setup. BMW says it'll send 100% of its power to the rear wheels when all-wheel drive is not necessary, while the M Sport rear diff combines with an electronically-controlled clutch to shift power between the axles as and when required.
To put it simply, it drives like a BMW should. The steering is fluid and responsive, while body control is impressive. There's little effort required to drive it quickly, and the all-wheel-drive system gives you a little confidence boost. You can flick between a number of drive modes ranging from comfort to sport plus, while models with the adaptive suspension also feature an extra adaptive setting.
The eight-speed automatic gearbox is as slick as they come, although there is pleasure to be found in taking control of gear changes yourself using the gearshift paddles behind the steering wheel. Hold onto the left one for a second and the gearbox will select the lowest possible gear providing a quick boost in acceleration, which is ideal for rapid overtakes.
Of course, you're not always going to be driving the BMW 2 Series Coupe like the Porsche Cayman rival it is. It's unintimidating to drive around town, while standard-fit front- and rear parking sensors help in tricky spaces. The optional Parking Assist Plus is a desirable feature, with its 360-degree image of the car and its surroundings.
What engines and gearboxes are available in the BMW 2 Series Coupe?
The majority of BMW 2 Series Coupe buyers buy the 220i, which is the entry-level model with a 2.0-litre petrol engine. This produces 184PS and 300Nm of torque, while it's combined exclusively with an eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox. We're yet to sample this engine, but its 7.5-second 0-62mph time suggests it's no slouch. It's the same four-cylinder engine as used in other BMW models (including the 4 Series) and we like it a lot: not only is it responsive, it's also refined and surprisingly fuel efficient.
If you want a bit more power, the same engine is available with 245PS and 400Nm of torque, resulting in 0-62mph acceleration in 5.9 seconds. This is badged the BMW 230i Coupe.
BMW 2 Series Coupe buyers seeking a little more performance will be better looking at the BMW M240i xDrive. This feels like a baby M4, thanks to its powerful six-cylinder 3.0-litre petrol engine, which produces 374PS (34PS more than its predecessor) and peak torque of 500Nm. It'll accelerate to 62mph in 4.3 seconds. And yes, it feel properly rapid, and sounds fantastic, too.
There was also a 2.0-litre diesel available once upon a time, too, named the BMW 220d. This is now discontinued, and sold in small numbers, but it could be worth seeking out on the used market if you cover a lot of motorway miles.
All BMW 2 Series Coupe models come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Refinement and noise levels
The BMW 4 Series architecture is good news for refinement. When you're not in the mood for blatting about (particularly in the M240i), the BMW 2 Series Coupe settles down into a very refined little car that's more than comfortable enough for long-distance journeys. The top model comes with selectable drive modes, which tweak things like the steering and throttle response to suit your mood: as well as the suspension, if you buy one with the optional adaptive M suspension.
We never got to sample the diesel BMW 220d but, while it won't sound as sporty as the M240i, we doubt it'll be particularly gruff.
Safety equipment: How safe is the BMW 2 Series Coupe?
The BMW 2 Series Coupe is fitted as standard with a front-collision warning, which can detect pedestrians and cyclists, applying the brakes to prevent a collision if necessary. There's also an enhanced version of BMW's Lane Departure Warning system, which can be used when travelling between 44 and 130mph.
Further standard safety equipment includes an attentiveness assistant, which monitors the driver and warns you when it thinks it's time to take a break, along with high-beam assist and automatic windscreen wipers/headlights.
Perhaps surprisingly, the BMW 2 Series Coupe was only awarded four stars out of five when it was crash-tested by Euro NCAP in 2022. While the organisation said the 2 Series Coupe offered "good crash protection and satisfactory protection to vulnerable road users," it said its autonomous braking system struggled with challenging scenarios such as a cyclist turning across the car's path.
MPG and fuel costs: What does a BMW 2 Series Coupe cost to run?
"Out of fashion it may be, the but the efficiency star of the BMW 2 Series Coupe range is the diesel 220d. Mild-hybrid tech means this'll return up to 60.1mpg in official tests, making it a no-brainer if you cover a lot of motorway miles."
Stick with the BMW 220i Coupe if you cover a lot of short journeys or urban miles, though. This has a combined WLTP fuel economy figure of 44.8mpg, which is more than acceptable for a sporty little car like this.
The BMW M240i xDrive is a little less efficient, although it'll still return up to 34.9mpg. That'll drop quite heavily if you make the most of its performance, but it's still not an offensive figure.
How reliable is the BMW 2 Series Coupe?
While the latest BMW 2 Series Coupe is still a relatively new car, its engine and mechanical bits are well-proven across the BMW range. The brand performs slightly above average in the HonestJohn.co.uk Satisfaction Index, with a 12th-place finish (out of 29 carmakers) last time out. We're not aware of any common problems with the latest 3 Series or 4 Series (with which the 2 Series shares a platform), but running costs might be a little higher than a mainstream alternative like the Toyota GR86.
Insurance groups and costs
The cheapest BMW 2 Series Coupe to insure is the 220i M Sport, which is in insurance group 28. The BMW 220d M Sport is in insurance group 29. The priciest, unsurprisingly, is the BMW M240i xDrive is in insurance group 37. It'd be a wise idea to shop around for insurance quotes before buying a 2 Series Coupe: it's a premium sports car and insurance prices are likely to reflect this.
VED car tax: What is the annual road tax on a BMW 2 Series Coupe?
The BMW 2 Series Coupe will be charged £190 a year in tax (VED) after the first year. Those with a list price of more than £40,000 (including optional extras) when brand new (e.g. most of them) will be stung by the an extra £410/year in premium car tax for five years (from the second time the car's taxed).
How much should you be paying for a used BMW 2 Series Coupe?
"If you buy brand new, prices start from around £38,000 for the BMW 220i Coupe while the Porsche Cayman rivalling BMW M240i xDrive sits at around the £50,000 mark."
High desirability means you probably won't find any absolute steals on the used car market, but there are savings to be made. Check out out classifieds, and you'll find the cheapest examples going for less than £30,000. Most of these will be early diesel-powered cars in M Sport trim with around 15,000 miles under their wheels. If you want the M240i xDrive, you'll be looking at around £40,000 and upwards, but that's still a useful saving compared with a brand new example, and you won't have to wait for the thing to be built and shipped.
Trim levels and standard equipment
The standard BMW 2 Series Coupe M Sport features 18-inch alloy wheels, an acoustic windscreen, chrome kidney grille surround and high-gloss shadowline exterior trim. There are folding door mirrors and M Sport exterior styling. Inside, you'll find Alcantara/Sensatec upholstery, Anthracite headlining and ambient lighting. You also get front heated sport seats, automatic air conditioning and an M Sport leather steering wheel.
Standard technology on the BMW 2 Series Coupe M Sport includes adaptive LED headlights, cruise control, automatic windscreen wipers and headlights, front- and rear parking sensors and M Sport suspension. You also get BMW's Connected Package Pro (including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), a 10.25-inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
The BMW M240i xDrive Coupe comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, M Sport exterior styling, high-gloss shadowline exterior trim and exterior highlights in Cerium Grey. Inside, you get front M Sport heated seats with adjustable lumbar support, M seat belts, an M Sport leather steering wheel and Vernasca leather upholstery.
Tech highlights on the M240i xDrive Coupe include adaptive LED headlights, cruise control, selectable drive modes, front/rear parking sensors, M Sport brakes, an M Sport differential and M Sport suspension.
Ask the heycar experts: common questions
Is the BMW 2 Series Coupe a sports car?
Is the BMW 2 Series Coupe front-wheel drive?
How much is the BMW 2 Series Coupe?
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